Golden Circle - Southern Comfort 2010
8 days / 7 nights, Reykjavik - Gullfoss - Geysir - Þingvellir National Park Fossnes - Hrunaréttir - Haukadalur - Tungufellsdalur - Hrunakrókur - Reykjavik | There is no better way to visit the hot springs area of Geysir, Stokkur and the Golden Waterfall Gullfoss than by riding through the lovely countryside of South Iceland. On our way to the farm we witness the great scenery at Thingvellir National Park - the assembly fields where the oldest parliamentary institution was founded in AD 930. This popular tour is ideal for families and those who do not have the required riding experience for our highland tours. Still riding days can be long so you should be in good physical condition and have a basic knowledge of horsemanship. On our first riding day you get acquainted with the Icelandic horses and their special gaits on a relaxed ride through the countryside surrounding Fossnes Farm. Your guides lead spare horses along as you ride towards the magnificent Gullfoss Waterfall and hot springs area of Geysir. We ascend through lovely birch forests with wild mountain flowers to a highland plateau with great views of mountains and glaciers. The last two days of the ride are more challenging since you now herd your spare horses along. You experience riding along the edge of civilization when crossing the highland moor of Hrunaheiði. On our last riding day we enjoy the good riding tracks when we follow Laxárdalur Valley on our way back to Fossnes Farm.
| Departure | Saturdays: June 12th, 19th, 26th July 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st August 7th, 14th, 21st |
| Price | $2,175 per person in double room |
| Included | 7 nights accommodation in guesthouse, based on double room Scandinavian breakfast buffet daily Hotel taxes and service fees During the ride full board is included, along with water and coffee/tea Dinners, from day 1 Lunch packs (riders make their own from breakfast table) Full guidance, English and Scandinavian speaking Use of saddle bags, rain wear, riding helmet and sleeping bag (where necessary) |
| Not Included | Airfare & Airport taxes Gratuities Personal insurance / personal items Alcoholic beverages $25 Service fee |
| Please Note | Difficulty: Intermediate riders (2 horses) Group size: maximum 18 participants Accommodation: 2-4 bed units with shared facilities throughout the tour, rooms with private facilities for 2 nights at Geysir. Meeting place: Keflavík International Airport Our partners in Iceland have been a leading, fully licensed tour operator for almost 25 years. The tours introduce the traditional way of traveling in Iceland and support nature, culture and the economy of each district we cover. They were rewarded with the Environmental Award by the Icelandic Tourist Board in 2001 and is a Green Globe Affiliate. |
| Tour Options | Additional nights in Reykjavik Additional sight seeing Blue Lagoon with transfer to Keflavik Airport East Greenland Excursion, 1 - 3 days Extending your stay in Reykjavik We offer an extensive range for 2, 3 and 4 star accommodation in Iceland's capital city and a wide range of Iceland excursions throughout the country. |
Day 1 Sat ARRIVAL ICELAND Early morning arrival in Iceland. After clearing passport control, head downstairs for your luggage and customs. A representative from your tour will meet you at Keflavik Airport and drive you to a guesthouse in Reykjavik. At 17:30 we invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of your tour and meet your fellow riders.
Day 2 Sun THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK - FOSSNES FARM (B, L, D) Transfer from Reykjavík via Thingvellir National park to Fossnes farm, situated in beautiful surroundings, where we meet horses and guides. After an introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits we start our ride along pleasant trails and explore the colorful Gnúpverja¬hreppur countryside. This day is the perfect start to get to know your horse and the Icelandic way of trail riding in a relaxed atmosphere. During the ride you will enjoy the view of deep green mountains and valleys and the mighty glacial river Thjórsá. Relax in a hot tub before a hearty dinner at the farm. (20 km)
Day 3 Mon FOSSNES - HVITARDALUR (B, L, D) We leave the farm and head off to the fertile farmlands of neighboring community Hrunamannahreppur. We take hand horses along for changing our mounts a couple of times a day and this gives us the opportunity to travel at a comfortable speed. We cross the well know salmon river Stóra-Laxá and stop for our picnic lunch at Hrunaréttir, a paddock for the annual sheep round-up in autumn. We leave the horses at Hvítárdalur Farm and drive back to Fossnes for the night. (35 km)
Day 4 Tue HVITARDALUR- GULLFOSS - GEYSIR ( B, L, D) We continue our ride on soft trails ideal for tölting towards the majestic canyon Brúarhlöð where milky green water passes through bizarre rock formations. Alongside Hvítá River we follow the ever deepening canyon on to the impressive Golden Waterfall Gullfoss and continue to the famous Geysir hot spring area where we will stay for two nights. You have plenty of time to explore this highly interesting area with its countless bubbling hot springs. Hot outdoor tub on site. (35 km)
Day 5 Wed GEYSIR - HAUKADALUR - HAUKADALSHEIDI (B, L, D) Our ride takes us through Haukadalur valley with its beautiful birch forest. Cross clear little streams on the way and enjoy the rich vegetation of wild mountain flowers that bloom during high summer. While you ascend to a highland plateau you will notice the changes in nature as you reach higher ground. A breathtaking view of the mountain ranges and glaciers of the highland around awaits you when you reach the top of Haukadalsheiði. (20 km)
Day 6 Thu TUNGUFELLSDALUR - KALDBAKUR - FOSSNES (B, L, D) We leave the Geysir area and ride along green pastures back to the bridge at Brúarhlöð canyon where we cross mighty Hvítá River. Now we head towards the interior and follow beautiful Tungufellsdalur valley onto Hrunaheiðar heath plateau and we experience riding along the edge of civilization. Our horses spend the night at Kaldbakur Farm, while we drive back to Fossnes where we spend the night and enjoy a nice hot bath after this exciting riding day. (40 km)
Day 7 Fri FOSSNES - HRUNAKROKUR - REYKJAVIK (B, L, D) Our last day of riding includes yet again terrific scenery. We cross Stóra-Láxá River close to Laxárgljúfur canyon at Hrunakrókur. The terrain changes to vast green meadows on our way through Laxárdalur valley and we enjoy good riding tracks on our way back to Fossnes Farm (30 km). Here we say goodbye to our guides, staff and horses and return to a guesthouse in Reykjavík for an overnight stay. Approx. arrival in Reykjavík at 18:00.
Day 8 Sat DEPARTURE (B) Breakfast at your guesthouse. Morning free for own activities. Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home.
This popular tour has been in operation since 1984 and is ideal for families and those who do not have the riding experience necessary for our highland tours.
Part of this tour can be booked as a 5-day tour (4 riding days) - see tour Geysir - Gullfoss Special